Tools for Cut & Paste Challenge Course
Interested in the Cut & Paste Challenge? Here are some suggestions for tools to help you through the course.
YOU DON'T NEED EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST!
Rather, I'm including several suppliers and examples for each tool, so please use this guide as a means to educate yourself on product pricing, features and variations, as well as shipping costs. Click on any item to be taken directly to the online retailer.
Happy sourcing!
Economy Miter-Cutting Vise and Jig
Perfectly prep bezel walls, ring bands, wire, and strip for soldering. Creates flawlessly flush, perpendicular ends every time, greatly improving your life at the torch.
NOVELTOOLS MITER JIG
Perfectly prep bezel walls, ring bands, wire, and strip for soldering. Creates flawlessly flush, perpendicular ends every time, greatly improving your life at the torch.
Glardon Vallorbe Precision Flat Hand File, Swiss Cut #2
Use the flat side of this file along with your miter jig to achieve perfect ends on bezel wire, ring stock, etc.
Bahco Half Round File- #2
Use the flat side of this file along with your miter jig to achieve perfectly flat, perpendicular ends on bezel wire, ring stock, etc.
Economy Solid Steel Metal Bench Block
A basic steel bench block that won't break the bank but that will work for our purposes in this course. Use the bench block for center punching your design templates and hammering silver balls into flat disc embellishments. Steel blocks also make excellent work surfaces for wrapping bezels.
Premium Steel Bench Block
A basic steel bench block that won't break the bank but that will work for our purposes in this course. Use the bench block for center punching your design templates and hammering silver balls into flat disc embellishments. Steel blocks also make excellent work surfaces for wrapping bezels.
Lindstrom 8152 Super-Flush Cutters
Super-flush cutters are excellent for trimming down bezel wire. This is the pair I use most often in my studio and the one you'll see in the course. I've had mine for over six years and they've never given me a problem.
Xuron Oval-Head Micro-Shear Flush Cutters With Retainer, #9100F
A basic pair of flush cutters with a retaining cavity to prevent your trimmed ends from flying all over the studio floor. This economy pair will work well for snipping bezel wire and cutting down bits of silver scrap to make balls.
Hakko Micro Cutter
A basic pair of flush cutters with a spring action handle to limit hand fatigue. This super economical pair is all you really need for snipping bezel wire and cutting down bits of silver scrap to make balls as we do in this course.
NIDAYE 2 Pack Tungsten Carbide Scriber with Magnet - Aluminum Etching Engraving Pen with Clip for Glass/Ceramics/Hardened Steel by Fabcell
Two for one... basic scribes for marking bezel wire and other smithing applications. Handy pen-clip affixes to your apron, and free shipping for Prime members.
Wubbers Classic Series Medium Flat Nose Duckbill Quality Jeweller's Pliers
I love the comfort of Wubbers pliers, and the larger size accommodates my man hands. This pair will work well for helping to line up the ends of your bezel. I also love that Wubbers is a female owned and operated company.
Ergo Flat Nose Pliers
Just a basic, bare bones set of pliers that will be sufficient for helping you to align the edges of your bezel wire prior to soldering.
Prodigy™ Flex Shaft System, 220-Volt
A good, economy flex shaft for those who aren't looking to invest in a foredom at the moment. I use the Prodigy brand in my classroom on the road and haven't had any issues with it since purchasing mine in 2017.
SR Series Foredom Flex Shaft w/ no. 30 Handpiece
An excellent flex shaft and the one I have several of in my own studio. This full kit is far more than you need for this project, but purchasing the motor and handpiece separately was practically the same total price, so may as well get all the extras. Note: this kit, or one very similar, is available from Rio Grande as well.
Slotted Mandrel for Emery Paper
I use these all the time with strips of emery cloth. Use to clean up bezels, smooth the insides of ring bands, etc. Sold in packs of 6.
EURO TOOL Split Mandrel, Straight, 3/32 Inch, Pack of 12
Identical to the ones from Rio, for less than a dollar a piece WITH free shipping. Hey, hey.
3M Utility Emery Cloth Sheet, Fine
More durable than sandpaper and more supple when coiled up, emery cloth is my preference over basic wet/dry sandpaper every time. Use it in the flex shaft with a split mandrel, in large sheets for large sanding tasks, or in small scraps to clean up sheet solder and smaller pieces of metal prior to soldering.
Mercer Industries 216240 Grit 240 9" x 11" Multi-Purpose Emery Cloth Sheets (50-Pack)
I use the 240 grit a lot. Though it sounds incredibly coarse, it's actually smoother than you'd imagine. More durable than sandpaper and more supple when coiled up, emery cloth is my preference over basic wet/dry sandpaper every time. Use it in the flex shaft with a split mandrel, in large sheets for large sanding tasks, or in small scraps to clean up sheet solder and smaller pieces of metal prior to soldering.
Emery Cloth
More durable than sandpaper and more supple when coiled up, emery cloth is my preference over basic wet/dry sandpaper every time. Use it in the flex shaft with a split mandrel, in large sheets for large sanding tasks, or in small scraps to clean up sheet solder and smaller pieces of metal prior to soldering. Contenti offers the ability to purchase single sheets at up to 320 grit.
Flat and Half-Round Forming Pliers
This is the plier I use all the time, both in my own studio and with students in the classroom. Use these for bending in the ends of ring stock, curving ear wires, and stretching out tight bezels. A really great style of plier to have on hand.
Del Rey™ Center Punch
A good, basic center punch. Strike with a ball peen or brass hammer on your steel bench block.
Neiko 02638A 5" Automatic Center Hole Punch | Adjustable Impact
For those who like an automatic center punch and a pop of color, this one has an adjustable impact feature and a fun design. More than you need, but if cool-looking tools are your thing, this one is a contender.
Short-Handle Brass Head Hammer
Brass is considered superior for striking steel tools as it won't cause the steel to mushroom. This basic brass hammer is ideal for striking your center punch, stamping, and will work just fine for hammering silver balls flat against your steel bench block.
Vaughan & Bushnell Vaughan S016 16-Ounce Hickory Handle Super Steel Ball Pein Hammer, 13 3/4-Inch Long.
A basic ball pien hammer with a long handle and full pound of weight behind it. Makes hammering steel tools and sterling silver ball embellishments a breeze.
High-Speed Steel Twist Drill, #60, 1.02mm
While the size of the bit doesn't matter quite so much (in this project, you just want to drill a hole large enough for your 4/0 saw blade to pass through), these bits from Rio are my standard sidekick in the studio. Long wearing, super sharp, and perfectly straight.
10 Pack- High Speed Steel Twist Drill #60
An excellent value for the money, these drill bits work well and are all you need for this project. This particular link is for 18g bits.
BLADES PIKE # 4/0 SWISS MADE GROBET- 144 Pc
Honestly, I've never used these blades but I have heard great things about them from students and teachers alike. This gross pack (144 pieces) should last even the most inexperienced beginner a good while. Size 4/0.
Laser Gold™ #4/0 Saw Blade, Pkg/144
These are the blades I use and love. Size 4/0, and you'll save more by purchasing many dozen at once. If however, you'd prefer a smaller quantity, the next link provided is for a dozen as opposed to a gross.
BurLife® Stick Lubricant
Great all purpose lubricant. I use this for sawing, drilling, in shot plates, when using a jump ring maker, etc.
German Adjustable Jeweler's 3" Saw Frame
There is a difference between "German Style" and "German Made"... and German made is superior every time. I still use an old school German frame. These saws are cost effective, simple to use, long-lasting and of high quality. For this project, I recommend a 3" throat.
Best Jewelry Supply Deluxe Jewelers Saw Frame German Made Sizes Jewelry New 4"(100mm) by Best Jewelry Supply
There is a difference between "German Style" and "German Made"... and German made is superior every time. I still use an old school German frame. These saws are cost effective, simple to use, long-lasting and of high quality. For this project, I recommend a 3" throat.
StudioFLUX™ Bench Pin
Rio's version of Thoman Mann's bench pin. Great if you don't want to drill in to your workbench as it comes with a clamp. Change your mind or get a new bench? Two screw holes allow you to give it a more permanent home. Also great for travel.
Thomas Mann
The bench pin I love and use all the time. Ample wood support, numerous slots for various sawing applications, filing notches, and sleek design. Does not come with a clamp when bought directly from the artist.
Thomas Mann
The clamp version of Thomas Mann's StudioFLUX bench pin, available from the artist's website for those who would like to support him directly as opposed to purchasing through Rio.
Barrette Escapement Files
(Please note that this file is smaller than the next two barrette files shared on this page, and is smaller than the one I use in the video.) A tiny version of an already small needle file, this escapement file is incredibly petite. It's a solid option for cleaning up the interior cutouts of smaller pierced designs. The knife-edge shape and lack of teeth on the two back sides prevent you from inadvertently filing behind yourself, which is a helpful feature. #2 cut is not too aggressive but still provides efficient results.
Glardon Vallorbe® Barrette Needle File, Cut #2
This needle file is a great size for cleaning up the edges of smaller pierced designs. The knife-edge shape and lack of teeth on the two back sides prevent you from inadvertently filing behind yourself, which is a helpful feature. Tapered shape and size allow for a range of spacial accommodations. I use this file all the time. #2 cut is not too aggressive but still provides efficient results.
Grobet USA Grobet Swiss Pattern Needle File 7-3/4 Inch Barrette Cut 2
This needle file is a great size for cleaning up the edges of smaller pierced designs. The knife-edge shape and lack of teeth on the two back sides prevent you from inadvertently filing behind yourself, which is a helpful feature. Tapered shape and size allow for a range of spacial accommodations. I use this style of file all the time. #2 cut is not too aggressive but still provides efficient results.
Graduated Wood Dapping Block and Punch Set
This is the dapping set I use in this course. It's held up well for me, and works great for thinner metals and smaller items.
Dapping Block and Punches Wooden Set 10 Sizes Wood Forming Doming Jewelry Making (3.2PP)
A slightly less expensive version via Novel Tools on Amazon.
16 to 64 mm Wood Dapping Punch & Die Set
Contenti's version of the wooden dapping set in comparable well and punch sizes.
Steel Electronic Digital Caliper
A basic digital caliper for measuring and scribing. Great for sizing ring stock, measuring out sheet, and marking lines for cutting. Only goes up to 4".
Neiko 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper Stainless Steel Body with Large LCD Screen | 0 - 6 Inches | Inch/Fractions/Millimeter Conversion
This caliper measures in inches, fractions and mm and goes up to 6" as opposed to 4". More than you need for this particular course but nice if you need to measure and scribe longer pieces of metal, such as cuff blanks.
Durston Steel Tapered Ring Mandrel
I'm so irritated that Rio seems to have stopped selling the flat sided mandrel I use so often. However, a basic round mandrel will work as well. This Durston brand model will hold up well and isn't likely to rust.
Pepe Tools Ultra Precision Calibrated Ring Mandrel
Prime shipping on this one is nice for something so heavy, and Pepe has proven itself to be a reputable brand. While not flat like the one I use in the video, (all sources seem to be out of stock on those right now), this high quality mandrel will last forever with proper care and will work just fine for crafting open-shank style rings or traditional bands.
Small Nylon Mallet
I LOVE the nylon mallets from NC Black. Super durable and offered in a variety of sizes that allow you to see what you're hammering, and they never mark up my metal. These are actually designed for synclastic and anticlastic forming, but I use them for everything and I prefer them over rawhide. This size works well for shaping ring bands. Made in NC.
Rawhide Mallet
Rawhide has never really been my favorite "soft" hammer, but this 6 ounce version is small enough and light enough to work well for forming ring bands.
Delrin Cross Peen & Flat Dead Blow Hammer
A basic "soft" hammer for forming ring bands without marking them up, and the wedge side is nice for progressing bands further down the tapered mandrel without tearing up the flat face of the tool.
SE JT40 4-1/2" Bezel Roller
A bezel rocker in the style I like- with a thinner, smaller curve to the working end. Prime shipping available if you're a member, though I feel like they kind of make up for that with the price tag on the tool itself.
Bezel Roller and Prong Pusher Set
The bezel rocker in this set is my favorite bezel rocker because of the curvature of the face as well as the size of the handle. Unfortunately, it can now only be bought in this trio. The prong pushers work just fine, but aren't needed for this project.
Bezel Roller
While searching for links to share with you, I stumbled upon this one at Contenti. I've never used a bezel rocker sold by this company, but the size and shape appear to be what I prefer... and for the price, it's worth a shot!
Steel Burnisher, Bent
A basic curved burnisher for smoothing out bezel edges and shining up the metal. This tool is optional, but here's the one I use.
Burnishers
Contenti sells a variety of burnishers. My preference is the curved style (second from top in the preview image). Curved burnishers work well for highlighting/polishing the upper edges of bezels. This tools is optional for this course.
SE JT601BC Curved Burnisher with Wooden Handle
The Amazon-available version of the curved burnisher. Prime shipping is available, but may not be worth the higher price tag.
3M Sponge Sanding Pads, Set of 5
A variety pack to try out and see what grits you like best. Sanding sponges are wonderful for removing patina, smoothing the surface of sheet, and adding a final bit of luster to a mostly matte piece of jewelry. I also love that you can cut them down to smaller pieces and work their spongey textures down in hard-to-reach areas.
Sanding Sponges
Contenti allows the option to purchase packs of a single grit... nice if you find one you really like! My favorites are the 280 and 400.
ASP Fine Grit Yellow Finishing Block
This is the sanding block I use in this course after setting my stone. I keep several grits on hand, but the yellow "fine" grit leaves a nice satin finish without too many stroke marks or excessive shine.
Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel
This is the patina I use all the time. This container usually lasts me a year, smells awful, and works well for silver.
EURO TOOL Liver of Sulphur Gel, 4 Ounce Squeeze Bottle | SOL-610.04
A comparably priced Liver of Sulphur gel, this one with Prime shipping.
Liver of Sulphur Extended Life Gel
Contenti's version of LOS. I include this link as it's slightly cheaper than Rio's version, and if you're already ordering supplies from Contenti, this may be a good option for you.
Hone & Highlight Tumbling Medium
My own tumbling media, so I'm admittedly biased. Leaves a satin to matte finish depending upon tumbling time, removes patina from elevated areas and leaves it in recesses, and smooths edges. Not what you want to use if desiring a high polish or completely blackened finish.
Stainless Steel Shot, Mixed, 1-lb.
Mixed shape shot is excellent for getting into tight places and adding shine and strength to your final design.
1Lb Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Cylindrical Tumbler Finishing
Mixed shape shot at a less costly price than at Rio, and with Prime shipping available. I have not personally used this supplier, but have heard good things from students who have.